The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the most incredible coffee experiences in the United States, thanks to its volcanic soil, perfect climate, and dedicated growers. Unlike other regions, the Big Island’s Kona coffee is world-famous, and the island’s diverse landscapes—from black sand beaches to lush valleys—make every tour an adventure. Whether you want a quick shore excursion, a private full-day tour, or a hands-on brewing class, there’s a coffee experience that fits your style. Many tours include visits to working coffee farms, opportunities to meet sea turtles, explore archaeological sites, and even see active volcanoes.
Big Island’s coffee tours stand out because they combine culinary learning, wildlife spotting, and scenic sightseeing all in one trip. Plus, with options like private tours tailored to your interests or more budget-friendly group excursions, you can find an experience that matches your schedule and expectations. For those craving an immersive dive into Hawaii’s coffee culture, tours like Kona Shore Excursion or Big Island Highlights provide excellent options.
Quick Overview
Our list below covers a variety of coffee tours on Big Island— from half-day shore excursions to private full-day tours, and even a coffee brewing workshop. Each offers a unique angle, whether you want to see sea turtles, explore historic sites, or learn how to brew like a pro. If you’re interested in a luxury helicopter tour that includes a mini coffee tasting, that’s also part of the lineup. Now, let’s dive into each experience to help you decide which one suits your trip best.
1. Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee
At number one, this Kona Shore Excursion offers a balanced look at Hawaii’s natural scenery, history, and coffee culture. The tour lasts about five hours and is perfect for cruise ship travelers or those short on time. It includes stops at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where you can see white sand beaches and black lava landscapes, and learn about ancient Hawaiian fishponds and archeological sites. The highlight for many is spotting green sea turtles on the beach or swimming nearby.
A key part of the tour is visiting Greenwell Farms, where you’ll learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and packaged. The farm visits are flexible—sometimes it’s Greenwell, other times a similar farm like Bay View. The tour also includes a stop at St Benedict’s Painted Church, famous for its painted biblical depictions. The mix of wildlife, history, and coffee makes this a well-rounded experience. Reviewers mention the engaging guide and the opportunity to see turtles as real highlights, with many noting it’s a great alternative to cruise line excursions.
Bottom line: This tour offers a convenient, varied look at Kona’s highlights, perfect for those with limited time but a desire to experience wildlife, history, and coffee all in one go.
2. Private Big Island Tour: Coffee, Beaches, Volcanos, Waterfalls
Number two on our list is the Private Big Island Tour, which is ideal for travelers craving customization. For around $1,300, your group of up to six people gets a fully tailored itinerary that can include visits to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls. This tour combines nature, culture, and coffee, offering a flexible schedule that adjusts to your interests.
What makes this trip stand out is the ability to control the pace and destinations. The tour begins at Greenwell Farms, where you’ll sample 10 different coffee roasts and see the entire process. Afterwards, your guide, Gary, can take you to additional sights such as Punalu’u Bake Shop and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, where you might see more turtles or spot rare birds. The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, beverages, and rain gear, giving you comfort and convenience.
Reviewers describe Gary as knowledgeable and accommodating, emphasizing the personalized feel of this experience. It’s best suited for families or groups who want a deeper, more flexible exploration of the island’s diverse landscapes, without the rush.
Bottom line: If you’re after a comprehensive, private experience that covers coffee farms, volcanic sights, beaches, and waterfalls, this tour offers the freedom and intimacy you won’t get in a large group.
3. Coffee Brewing Workshop
For those interested in bringing the coffee experience home, the Coffee Brewing Workshop is a fun, hands-on class priced at just $20 per person. Held at a local farm, it lasts around an hour and is led by a knowledgeable barista who teaches how to brew coffee like a pro.
This workshop covers the basics of different brewing methods—from pour-over to French press—and lets you taste the difference in flavor. You also get a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process. The setting is inviting, with friendly staff and a beautiful location, making it perfect for coffee enthusiasts or those wanting to learn practical skills they can use at home.
Reviews are glowing, with many praising Marissa’s expertise and friendly approach. It’s a small group experience that suits travelers who want a meaningful, intimate lesson without the time commitment of a full farm tour. This is an excellent add-on if you’re already visiting Kona or planning to spend time at a coffee farm.
Bottom line: A brief, affordable, and highly informative session ideal for coffee lovers eager to learn brewing techniques and deepen their appreciation for Kona coffee.
4. Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks
At position four, this Kona Tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s natural wonders and cultural sites over about seven hours. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an educational yet scenic experience. The tour includes visits to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where you can see ancient fishponds and possibly spot sea turtles or monk seals.
A highlight is the bee farm, where you’ll taste local honey and learn about honey production, adding a sweet twist to your day. The trip also features a tour of a Kona coffee farm, where you can sample fresh brews and see the entire process, from bean to cup. The tour includes lunch and round-trip transportation, making it a convenient, all-in-one option.
Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and the variety of stops, which include sacred Hawaiian temples and petroglyphs. The tour is limited to just 12 travelers, ensuring a personal touch. It works well for those interested in Hawaiian culture, wildlife, and local food.
Bottom line: This tour provides a balanced mix of cultural, natural, and culinary highlights, making it ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded day with comfort and education.
5. Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall
Number five is the Big Island Highlights, which covers the entire island in about 11 hours. It’s the most comprehensive tour, perfect for first-timers wanting a full overview. The trip includes visits to Kona coffee farms, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The tour is well-rated for its efficiency and knowledgeable guide, Derrick, who makes sure you see the iconic sights like Kilauea’s eruption sites and Makalawena Beach. You’ll also enjoy lunch and snacks like malasadas, all included in the price. It’s a long day but offers excellent value for those wanting to maximize their time.
Many reviews highlight Derrick’s attentiveness and the variety of sights covered. It’s suited for travelers who want a broad, in-depth experience of the island’s key attractions without worrying about logistics.
Bottom line: For a full-day, all-included exploration of Big Island’s top sights, this tour delivers a convenient, engaging experience that covers nature, geology, and culture.
6. Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour
Finally, for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Private Helicopter Tour offers an aerial journey over Kona’s coast with a 20-minute landing at a coffee farm. This tour lasts about 1 hour 5 minutes and can be booked for up to three people at a cost of $2,890 per group.
This experience features incredible scenic views of Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, and Ali’i Drive, along with a flyover of Magic Sands Beach and the Kona Coffee farms. The highlight is the landing at a coffee farm, where you can enjoy a mini tasting and take in Hawaii’s lush landscape from above. It’s perfect for a romantic gesture, proposal, or special celebration.
Reviews are nonexistent since it’s a new or less-reviewed experience, but the combination of luxury, exclusivity, and spectacular views makes it a unique choice for travelers with a generous budget. It’s best suited for those wanting a truly memorable, upscale adventure.
Bottom line: This helicopter tour offers a high-end, unforgettable way to see Kona’s beauty, with the added thrill of landing at a coffee farm for a tasting.
How to Choose Your Ideal Coffee Tour
Picking the right Big Island coffee tour depends on your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re short on time but want a mix of wildlife and coffee, the Kona Shore Excursion is perfect. For a personalized, full-day experience that covers more ground and includes volcanoes and waterfalls, the Private Big Island Tour is a standout.
Coffee enthusiasts eager to learn brewing techniques should consider the Coffee Brewing Workshop. Those seeking a mix of culture, wildlife, and island history will find Kona Tour with bee farm and petroglyphs appealing. For the ultimate full island tour, the Big Island Highlights provides an extensive overview. And if you’re celebrating or want a touch of luxury, consider the Private Helicopter Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or helicopter options, and consider the best time to go—generally spring through fall—when weather is most stable.
Final Thoughts
Big Island’s coffee tours are diverse, from quick shore excursions to all-day private adventures, and even luxury helicopter experiences. For those wanting a convenient overview, the Kona Shore Excursion is a good start. If you prefer customized exploration, the Private Big Island Tour offers flexibility and comfort.
Travelers passionate about learning brewing techniques will love the Coffee Brewing Workshop, while those after a comprehensive island experience should opt for the Big Island Highlights. For a luxury, romantic adventure, the helicopter tour provides unbeatable views and exclusivity.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable Hawaiian coffee experiences.